Colorado Civil Statute of Limitations Laws

By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed April 04, 2025

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Every state enforces strict time limits for filing a civil action, whether it's a malpractice lawsuit, personal injury claim, or debt collection claim. These limitations of actions, established by state law, are commonly referred to as statutes of limitations.

In Colorado, the statute of limitations sets the time frame or time period within which someone can file a lawsuit. These laws help to preserve the integrity of physical evidence, DNA evidence, and witness testimony. They also prevent the indefinite threat of lawsuits.

If you need to file a lawsuit, contact a skilled litigation attorney in Colorado.

What Are the Civil Statutes of Limitation in Colorado?

Colorado's limitations period for filing a civil action generally ranges from one to three years, but rent and debt collection actions have a six-year limit. The state also allows an extra year (three total) for personal injury cases and injury to property claims if a motor vehicle is involved.

The following chart offers more details on Colorado's statutes of limitations, which fall under Colorado Revised Statutes Title 13: Courts and Court Procedure.

Injury to person

Two years §13-80-102 ; three years §13-80-101(n) if from use or operation of a motor vehicle
Libel/slander

One year §13-80-103(1)(a)
Fraud

Three years §13-80-101(1)(c)
Injury to personal property

Three years §13-80-101(n) if from use or operation of a motor vehicle
Professional malpractice

Vet: two years §13-80- 102(1)(c); Medical malpractice: two years upon discovery §13-80-102
Trespass

Two years §13-80-102
Collection of rents

Six years §13-80-1035(1)(b)
Contracts

Written: three years §13-80-101; Oral: three years §13-80- 101; two years §13-80-102(a) if tort action for tortious breach of contract
Collection of debt on account

Six years if contract §13-80- 103.5

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.

Tolling and the Discovery Rule

If we look at a given statute of limitations as a clock or stopwatch, then tolling is how time gets recorded. So, suppose you suffer a personal injury but don't discover it until four years after the accident. In that case, the discovery rule allows you to begin tolling when the injury is discovered (or the cause of the injury). Another example is when the injured party is a minor and must wait a number of years before filing suit.

Research the Law

Colorado Civil Statute of Limitations: Related Resources

Questions About Colorado Civil Statute of Limitations Laws? Ask an Attorney

There are a number of good reasons to have your Colorado civil case evaluated by an attorney, but the most important is to meet the filing deadline. To avoid missing an important deadline in your accident or injury case, it's in your best interests to contact a personal injury attorney in Colorado who can discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your cause of action and ensure that your claim gets filed within the required time limits.

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